Feathery False Lily Of The Valley

(Maianthemum racemosum)

Feathery False Lily Of The Valley (Maianthemum racemosum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Maianthemum racemosum, commonly known as Feathery False Lily of the Valley, is a deciduous perennial herb native to rich, moist, deciduous and mixed forests, as well as forest edges and shaded stream banks across North America. This includes regions in the United States, parts of Southern Canada, and Northern Mexico. It typically grows to 50–90 cm (20–35 in) tall and features broad, ovate leaves with plume-like clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that bloom in mid-spring. The flowers are mildly fragrant and give way to small, rounded to 3-lobed berries that are initially green with copper spots, maturing to a bright red color in late summer, providing visual interest.

Feathery False Lily of the Valley is valued for its shade tolerance and the delicate appearance of its flowers, which can enhance woodland gardens and naturalized areas. It is often used as a ground cover or in border plantings. The plant prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and thrives in part shade, though it can tolerate full shade. It is generally low-maintenance but can be slow to establish. While it spreads by cylindrical rhizomes, it is not typically aggressive or invasive. Gardeners should be aware that it can suffer from leaf spot diseases and is occasionally browsed by deer.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1.5-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Cream, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Rich, moist, deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, and shaded stream banks

Other Names

Common Names: Treacleberry , False Solomon’s-Seal , Feathery False Solomon’s Seal , Feathery False Solomon’s-Seal , Feathery False Lily Of The Vally , Solomon’s Plume , False Solomon’s Seal , False Spikenard , Feathery False Lily-Of-The-Valley , Large False Solomon’s Seal

Scientific Names: Maianthemum racemosum , Smilacina racemosa , Vagnera racemosa , Convallaria racemosa , Smilacina racemosa var. racemosa , Smilacina racemosa var. typica , Unifolium racemosum , Vagnera australis , Polygonastrum racemosum , Tovaria racemosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Maianthemum racemosum (L.) Link